Legally reviewed by: Jessica Anvar Stotz, JD, MBA
General Motors (GM) has issued a new technical service bulletin to its dealerships, addressing a problem with the evaporative emissions purge valve in certain models of the 2019 Chevrolet Traverse full-size crossover.
The bulletin highlights that some 2019 Traverse models, specifically those fitted with the naturally aspirated 3.6L V6 LFY gasoline engine, might experience an issue where the evaporative purge valve fails to close completely.
Should this situation arise, it could cause the engine to run unevenly, hesitate, or even stall when idling. Furthermore, this condition could trigger the Malfunction Indicator Light – commonly known as the Check Engine Light – signaling that a diagnostic trouble code has been registered.
Which Chevy Traverse models are being recalled for a defective purge valve?
While there is no 2023 purge valve Chevy Traverse recall, the following is a list of vehicles included in the service bulletin:
- 2019 Buick Enclave
- 2020 Buick Encore
- 2019 Chevy Traverse
- 2020 Chevy Sonic
- 2020 Chevy Trax
Note that this issue is not exclusive to the 2019 Chevy Traverse. Other GM vehicles equipped with the same 3.6L V6 LFY engine may potentially encounter the same problem. Vehicle models that run on the turbocharged 1.4L I4 LUV gasoline engine may also be affected.
How do I know if my Chevy has a bad purge valve?
If your Chevy has a bad purge valve, you might notice the following symptoms:
- Check Engine Light: The most common sign of a bad purge valve is the Check Engine light illuminating on your dashboard.
- Rough Idling: If the purge valve is stuck open, it can lead to an EVAP leak, affecting the air-fuel ratio during combustion and causing a rough idle.
- Difficulty Starting: A faulty purge valve can make starting your car difficult due to the vacuum leak created by a stuck open purge solenoid valve.
- Poor Engine Performance: Even if your vehicle manages to start with a faulty purge valve, you may experience poor engine performance.
- Poor Gas Mileage and Fuel Economy: A malfunctioning purge valve can affect the air-fuel ratio for combustion, adversely affecting your gas mileage.
If you notice any of these symptoms, you should have your vehicle inspected by a professional mechanic to accurately diagnose the issue.
Does Chevy fix the problem for free?
Yes, GM has instructed dealers to replace the evaporative emissions purge valve as required, with all repairs being carried out at no additional cost to the customer.
The 2023 service bulletin will remain in effect for an extended period. General Motors has assured that vehicles impacted by this issue will be covered for a duration of 15 years or 150,000 miles, whichever milestone is reached first, starting from the date the vehicle was initially put into service. This repair is identified under the bulletin number N232395300.
What should I do if my purge valve is causing problems?
If you suspect that your purge valve is causing problems, here are some steps you can take:
- Confirm the Issue: The first step is to confirm that the purge valve is indeed the problem. This can be done by observing the symptoms such as a Check Engine light, rough engine idle, difficulty starting the engine, poor engine performance, and increased emissions.
- Seek Professional Help:
- If your Chevy’s purge valve is indeed faulty, it will need to be replaced. You should have any replacement parts installed by an authorized mechanic to ensure proper installation and compatibility with your vehicle.
- Recurring Issues and Lemon Law: If your vehicle continues to have issues with the purge valve even after replacement, this could be a sign of a recurring problem. In some cases, this might fall under the Lemon Law, which protects consumers from defective vehicles. You should consult with a legal professional or consumer protection agency in your area for more information.
Ignoring a faulty purge valve can lead to more serious problems over time, including poor fuel economy and potential damage to your vehicle’s emission system. Therefore, we highly encourage addressing this issue as soon as possible. If you have persistent issues involving your Chevy or other vehicle, your best step is to consult with an attorney experienced in lemon law.
Get in contact with the Lemon Law Experts now!
When it comes to lemon law claims, having the right experts on your side can make all the difference. Reach out to the Lemon Law Experts today for professional advice, personalized assistance, and comprehensive guidance for your lemon law claim.
